air conditioning Ram ProMaster 2020 Owner's Manual

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE29
Manual Climate Control Descriptions
Icon Description
A/C Button
Push the A/C button to engage the Air Conditioning (A/C). The A/C indicator illuminates when A/C is on.
Recirculation Button
Press and release this button to change the system between recirculation mode and outside air mode. The Recirculation
indicator and the A/C indicator illuminate when the Recirculation button is pressed. Recirculation can be used when
outside conditions such as smoke, odors, dust, or high humidity are present. Recirculation can be used in all modes except
for Defrost. Recirculation may be unavailable if conditions exist that could create fogging on the inside of the windshield.
The A/C can be deselected manually without disturbing the mode control selection. Continuous use of the Recirculation
mode may make the inside air stuffy and window fogging may occur. Extended use of this mode is not recommended.
Front Defrost Mode
Turn the mode control knob to the Front Defrost position. Air comes from the windshield and side window demist outlets.
When the defrost button is selected, the blower level may increase. Use Defrost mode with maximum temperature settings
for best windshield and side window defrosting and defogging.
Rear Defrost Button
Push and release the Rear Defrost Control button to turn on the rear window defroster and the heated outside mirrors (if
equipped). The Rear Defrost indicator illuminates when the rear window defroster is ON. The rear window defroster
automatically turns OFF after 15 minutes.
Temperature Control
Temperature Control regulates the temperature of the air forced through the climate system. The temperature increases as
you turn the temperature control knob clockwise. The temperature decreases as you turn the temperature control knob
counterclockwise.
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32GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Additional Rear Climate Control — If Equipped
These switches, mounted on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column, activate
the additional rear heating/air conditioning
system. NOTE:
These switches must be enabled for operation
by the Upfitter.
Additional Rear Climate Controls Switches
Icon Description
Rear Blower Control
Push this button to turn on the rear climate controls. An indicator light will turn on when the rear
climate control is on.
Rear Temperature Control
Rear Passenger Temperature Up Button To change the temperature in the rear of the vehicle,
push temperature control up button to raise the temperature.
Rear Passenger Temperature Down Button To change the temperature in the rear of the vehicle,
push temperature control down button to lower the temperature.
MODE Rear MODE Button
Push this button to change the air distribution mode for the rear passengers.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE33
Climate Control Functions
A/C (Air Conditioning)
The Air Conditioning (A/C) button allows the
operator to manually activate or deactivate the
air conditioning system. When the air condi -
tioning system is turned on, cool dehumidified
air will flow through the outlets into the cabin.
For improved fuel economy, press the A/C
button to turn off the air conditioning and manu -
ally adjust the blower and airflow mode settings.
Also, make sure to select only Panel, Bi-Level or
Floor modes.
NOTE:
For Manual Climate Controls, if the system is
in Mix, Floor or Defrost Mode, the A/C can be
turned off, but the A/C system shall remain
active to prevent fogging of the windows.
If fog or mist appears on the windshield or
side glass, select Defrost mode, and increase
blower speed if needed.
If your air conditioning performance seems
lower than expected, check the front of the
A/C condenser (located in front of the radi -
ator), for an accumulation of dirt or insects.
Clean with a gentle water spray from the front
of the radiator and through the condenser.
Recirculation
In cold weather, use of Recirculation mode may
lead to excessive window fogging. The Recircu -
lation feature may be unavailable if conditions
exist that could create fogging on the inside of
the windshield. On systems with Manual
Climate Controls, the Recirculation mode is not
allowed in Defrost mode to improve window
clearing operation. Recirculation is disabled
automatically if this mode is selected.
Attempting to use Recirculation while in this
mode causes the LED in the control button to
blink and then turns off.
Operating Tips
NOTE:
Refer to the chart at the end of this section for
suggested control settings for various weather
conditions.
Summer Operation
The engine cooling system must be protected
with a high-quality antifreeze coolant to provide
proper corrosion protection and to protect
against engine overheating. A solution of 50%
OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that
meets the requirements of FCA Material Stan -dard MS.90032 and 50% water is recom
-
mended. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in
“Technical Specifications” for proper coolant
selection.
Winter Operation
Use of the air Recirculation mode during Winter
months is not recommended because it may
cause window fogging.
Vacation Storage
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out of
service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or more,
run the air conditioning system at idle for about
five minutes in the fresh air and high blower
setting. This will ensure adequate system lubri -
cation to minimize the possibility of compressor
damage when the system is started again.
Window Fogging
Interior fogging on the windshield can be quickly
removed by turning the mode selector to
Defrost. The Defrost/Floor mode can be used to
maintain a clear windshield and provide suffi -
cient heating. If side window fogging becomes a
problem increase blower speed. Vehicle
windows tend to fog on the inside in mild but
rainy or humid weather.
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STARTING AND OPERATING119
Automatic Transmission
The DRIVE range can be selected when towing.
The transmission controls include a drive
strategy to avoid frequent shifting when towing.
However, if frequent shifting does occur while in
DRIVE, select TOW/HAUL mode or select a lower
gear range (using the Electronic Range Select
(ERS) shift control).
NOTE:
Using TOW/HAUL mode or selecting a lower
gear range (using the ERS shift control) while
operating the vehicle under heavy loading
conditions will improve performance and
extend transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat build up. This action will also
provide better engine braking.
When towing a loaded trailer up steep grades at
low speeds, holding your vehicle in first gear
(using the ERS shift control) can help to avoid
transmission overheating.
Tow/Haul Mode
To reduce potential for automatic transmission
overheating, activate TOW/HAUL mode when
driving in hilly areas, or select a lower gear
range (using the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
shift control) on more severe grades.
Speed Control — If Equipped
Do not use on hilly terrain or with heavy
loads.
When using the speed control, if you experi -
ence speed drops greater than 10 mph
(16 km/h), disengage until you can get back
to cruising speed.
Use speed control in flat terrain and with light
loads to maximize fuel efficiency.
Cooling System
To reduce potential for engine and transmission
overheating, take the following actions:
City Driving
In city traffic — while stopped, place the trans -
mission in NEUTRAL, but do not increase engine
idle speed.
Highway Driving
Reduce speed.
Temporarily turn off air conditioning.
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160SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Engine Air Cleaner Filter Selection
The quality of replacement engine air cleaner
filters varies considerably. Only high quality
filters should be used to ensure most efficient
service. Mopar engine air cleaner filters are a
high quality filter and are recommended.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
For best possible performance, your air condi -
tioner should be checked and serviced by an
authorized dealer at the start of each warm
season. This service should include cleaning of
the condenser fins and a performance test.
Drive belt tension should also be checked at
this time.
Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant is a hydro -
fluorocarbon (HFC) that is an ozone-saving
product. However, the manufacturer recom -
mends that air conditioning service be
performed by authorized dealer or other service
facilities using recovery and recycling equip -
ment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved A/C system
PAG compressor oil and refrigerants.
Cabin Air Filter (A/C Air Filter)
Refer to the “Maintenance Plan” for the proper
maintenance intervals.
WARNING!
The air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) can provide a measure of protection in
the case of engine backfire. Do not remove
the air induction system (air cleaner, hoses,
etc.) unless such removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance. Make sure that no
one is near the engine compartment before
starting the vehicle with the air induction
system (air cleaner, hoses, etc.) removed.
Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and compressor lubri -
cants approved by the manufacturer for
your air conditioning system. Some unap -
proved refrigerants are flammable and can
explode, injuring you. Other unapproved
refrigerants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly repairs.
Refer to Warranty Information Book, for
further warranty information.
The air conditioning system contains refrig -
erant under high pressure. To avoid risk of
personal injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair requiring
lines to be disconnected should be done by
an experienced technician.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your air
conditioning system as the chemicals can
damage your air conditioning components.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Do not remove the cabin air filter while the
vehicle is running, or while the ignition is in
the ACC or ON/RUN mode. With the cabin air
filter removed and the blower operating, the
blower can contact hands and may propel dirt
and debris into your eyes, resulting in
personal injury.

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166SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
(Continued)
If an examination of your engine compartment
shows no evidence of radiator or hose leaks,
the vehicle may be safely driven. The vapor will
soon dissipate.
Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.
Check the coolant freeze point in the radiator
and in the coolant expansion bottle. If engine
coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, the
contents of the coolant expansion bottle
must also be protected against freezing.
If frequent engine coolant (antifreeze) addi-
tions are required, the cooling system should
be pressure tested for leaks.
Maintain engine coolant (antifreeze) concen -
tration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant
(conforming to MS.90032) and distilled
water for proper corrosion protection of your
engine which contains aluminum compo -
nents.
Make sure that the coolant expansion bottle
overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your
vehicle is equipped with air conditioning,
keep the front of the condenser clean.
Do not change the thermostat for Summer or
Winter operation. If replacement is ever
necessary, install ONLY the correct type ther -
mostat. Other designs may result in unsatis -
factory engine coolant (antifreeze)
performance, poor gas mileage, and
increased emissions.
Brake System
In order to ensure brake system performance,
all brake system components should be
inspected periodically. Refer to the “Mainte -
nance Plan” in this section for the proper main -
tenance intervals.
Fluid Level Check — Brake Master Cylinder
The fluid level of the master cylinder should be
checked when performing under the hood service or immediately if the brake system
warning lamp indicates system failure.
If necessary, add fluid to bring level within the
designated marks on the side of the reservoir of
the brake master cylinder. Be sure to clean the
top of the master cylinder area before removing
cap.
With disc brakes the fluid level can be expected
to fall as the brake linings wear. However, an
unexpected drop in fluid level may be caused by
a leak and a system check should be
conducted.
Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical
Specifications” for further information.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake failure
and possibly a collision. Driving with your foot
resting or riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear, and possible brake
damage. You would not have your full braking
capacity in an emergency.WARNING!

Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further infor-
mation. Using the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake system
and/or impair its performance. The proper
type of brake fluid for your vehicle is also
identified on the original factory installed
hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.

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186SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a comparative rating,
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in road char -
acteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, as
measured under controlled conditions on spec -
ified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor trac -
tion performance.
Temperature Grades
The Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat, when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to
a level of performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel, than the minimum
required by law.STORING THE VEHICLE
If you are storing your vehicle for more than 21
days, we recommend that you take the following
steps to minimize the drain on your vehicle's
battery:
Disconnect the negative cable from the
battery.
Any time you store your vehicle or keep it out
of service (i.e., vacation) for two weeks or
more, run the air conditioning system at idle
for about five minutes in the fresh air and
high blower setting prior to storing. This will
ensure adequate system lubrication to mini -
mize the possibility of compressor damage
when the system is started again.
WARNING!
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.

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250

INDEX

A

Adding Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
............... 164
Adding Washing Fluid
............................... 157
Additives, Fuel
....................................... 193
Air Bag
................................................. 74Air Bag Operation............................... 75Air Bag Warning Light.......................... 73Enhanced Accident Response.............. 151Event Data Recorder (EDR)................. 151If Deployment Occurs.......................... 80Maintaining Your Air Bag System............ 81Maintenance..................................... 81Side Air Bags..................................... 76Transporting Pets............................... 89
Air Bag Light
............................... 47, 73, 90
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine Air Cleaner Filter)
... 159
Air Conditioner Maintenance
...................... 160
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
......................... 160
Air Conditioner System
............................. 160
Air Conditioning Filter
......................... 34, 160
Air Conditioning, Operating Tips
............... 33, 34
Air Filter
.............................................. 159
Air Pressure

Tires.............................................. 177
Alarm
Security Alarm............................. 13, 49

Alarm System
Security Alarm.................................... 13
Alterations/Modifications
Vehicle...............................................8
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant)
................ 164, 195Disposal......................................... 165
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
.......................56
Anti-Lock Warning Light
.............................. 52
Assist, Hill Start
........................................ 60
Auto Down Power Windows
.......................... 35
Auto Up Power Windows
.............................. 35
Automatic Door Locks
................................15
Automatic Transmission
...................... 95, 168Adding Fluid.................................... 168Fluid And Filter Change...................... 168Fluid Change................................... 168Fluid Level Check...................... 167, 168Fluid Type............................... 167, 197Special Additives.............................. 167
AUX Cord
............................................. 238
Auxiliary Driving Systems
............................. 61
B

Battery
......................................... 47, 157Charging System Light......................... 47Keyless Key Fob Replacement............... 10
Belts, Seat
............................................. 90

Body Builders Guide
................................... 8
Body Mechanism Lubrication
..................... 161
B-Pillar Location
.................................... 173
Brake Assist System
................................. 57
Brake Control System, Electronic
................... 57
Brake Fluid
...................................166, 197
Brake System
................................166, 191Anti-Lock (ABS).................................. 56Fluid Check.................................... 166Master Cylinder............................... 166Parking............................................ 94Warning Light.................................... 48
Brake, Parking
........................................ 94
Brake/Transmission Interlock
...................... 96
Bulb Replacement
.................................. 123
Bulbs, Light
....................................91, 123
C

Camera, Rear
....................................... 109
Capacities, Fluid
.................................... 195
Caps, Filler
Fuel.............................................. 111Oil (Engine)..................................... 156Power Steering................................ 103Radiator (Coolant Pressure)................ 165
Car Washes
......................................... 187
Carbon Monoxide Warning
...................89, 194
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252

Engine

................................................ 156Air Cleaner...................................... 159Block Heater..................................... 93Break-In Recommendations.................. 93Compartment.................................. 156Compartment Identification................ 156Coolant (Antifreeze)................... 163, 195Cooling........................................... 163Exhaust Gas Caution................... 89, 194Fails To Start..................................... 92Flooded, Starting................................ 92Fuel Requirements................... 192, 195Jump Starting.................................. 145Oil......................................... 158, 195Oil Filler Cap.................................... 156Oil Filter......................................... 159Oil Selection............................ 158, 195Oil Synthetic.................................... 159Overheating.................................... 147Starting............................................ 92
Engine Oil Viscosity
................................. 159
Engine Oil Viscosity Chart
.......................... 159
Enhanced Accident Response Feature
........... 151
Entry System, Illuminated
............................ 27
Ethanol
............................................... 193
Exhaust Gas Cautions
........................ 89, 194
Exhaust System
............................... 89, 162
Exterior Lights
................................... 23, 91
F

Filters
Air Cleaner
...................................... 159Air Conditioning.......................... 34, 160Engine Oil............................... 159, 195Engine Oil Disposal........................... 159
Flashers
Hazard Warning................................ 123Turn Signals................................ 53, 91
Flat Tire Changing
........................... 168, 181
Flat Tire Stowage
............................ 168, 181
Flooded Engine Starting
.............................. 92
Fluid Capacities
.....................................195
Fluid Leaks
............................................. 91
Fluid Level Checks
Automatic Transmission..................... 168Brake............................................. 166Cooling System................................ 163Power Steering................................. 103
Fluids And Lubricants
............................... 195
Fog Lights
.............................................. 25
Fold-Flat Seats
........................................ 15
Four-Way Hazard Flasher
........................... 123
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
............................ 149

Fuel
.................................................. 192Additives........................................ 193Clean Air........................................ 192Ethanol.......................................... 193Filler Cap (Gas Cap).......................... 111Gasoline........................................ 192Materials Added.............................. 193Methanol....................................... 193Octane Rating..........................192, 195Requirements..........................192, 195Tank Capacity................................. 195
Fuses
................................................ 128
G

Gas Cap (Fuel Filler Cap)
.......................... 111
Gasoline, Clean Air
................................. 192
Gasoline, Reformulated
........................... 192
Gear Ranges
.......................................... 97
Gear Selector Override
............................. 148
Glass Cleaning
...................................... 190
Gross Axle Weight Rating
...................112, 113
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
...............112, 113
Guide
Body Builders...................................... 8
GVWR
................................................ 112
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